Colorado’s capital Denver is a mix of the historical and the hip – a city tour can show you everything from the city’s oldest buildings to its newest graffiti.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
It is perhaps fair to say that when it comes to big US cities, Denver can be a little overlooked. That’s a pity because the Colorado capital is an intriguing and pretty unique destination. From the incredible Red Rocks outdoor amphitheater – which has hosted the likes of The Beatles, Hendrix and the Rolling Stones – to the amazing cuisine from every corner of the globe, to the mountains, rivers and parks that surround it, Denver is a combination of big city life and awe-inspiring Colorado wilderness. Throw in 300 days of sunshine a year and you probably won’t need to lug a huge suitcase to Denver either, just shorts and t-shirts should do. To get a feel for the sights and sounds of Denver it makes sense to start with a sightseeing tour – here are five of the best.
Denver: City Highlights Walking Tour
This is a great two-hour tour to get to know Denver. Including in the stroll is the well-known highlights, such as the 19th century Colorado State Capitol and historic Brown Palace Hotel, as well as some hidden gems. You’ll get to see the trendy Lower Downtown – known as LoDo – with a glimpse at some street art, and get the lowdown on some local favourite spots to visit while in the city. The local guides are top notch and have a great understanding of both the history of Denver and what makes it it tick in the present day. From $39.73.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Denver: City Highlights, Views, and Secret Spots Bus Tour
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
For something a bit more laid-back this bus tour is hard to beat. This is another top-rated tour that does a good job of showing both the Denver of yesteryear and the forward-thinking hip spots of today. The local guide has enough stories and anecdotes to make it engaging and fun, with some lesser-known facts thrown in too. You’ll get to also climb the Mile High Steps as one of a couple of included stops for photo opps too. The best bit is the guide will be happy to provide some off-the-beaten track tips for you to get the most out of Denver on the rest of your stay. From $40.74.
Book at Getyourguide.com
RiNo Beer and Graffiti Walking Tour in Denver
This tour focuses on one of Denver’s fastest growing neighbourhoods, River North Art District, otherwise known as RiNo. This is also undoubtedly one of Denver’s hippest neighbourhoods, full of galleries, concert venues, craft breweries and old warehouses – it ticks all the boxes for the discerning hipster. Naturally you’ll be checking out the colourful graffiti in the area and stop off at hand-picked breweries and cider houses for a taste of Mile-High flavor. It’s a fun and easy-going tour and a great way to enjoy Denver in a more offbeat way – you even get booze tastings thrown in. From $60.11.
Book at Viator.com
Denver: 3 Hour City Highlights Bike Tour
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Bikes are often the most efficient way to see a city and Denver is no exception. Denver is a bike-friendly city with plenty of bike lanes – it even has its own enforcement officers to make sure they are functioning correctly. This three-hour bike tour takes in some really great highlights in Denver, including Coors Field where the Major League Baseball’s Colorado Rockies play and the restored 1901 Denver Tramway building. Not only is a bike tour perfect for seeing Denver, this one has everything you need thrown in, including the rental and helmet, unlimited water and snacks – there is even a hotel pickup and drop off within a designated area. From $76.39.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Guided Electric Scooter Tour of Denver
No forward-thinking city is complete without electric scooters – and that includes Denver. There are few ways to see a city as effortlessly as on two wheels, a battery and an electric motor, and this tour is a much-loved experience in the Colorado capital. The knowledgeable guide takes you from 16th Street Mall to Coors Field, then on to Denver Union Station and beyond. You’ll get to see the main neighbourhoods such as LoDo and downtown, and take in the Denver Art Museum and Denver’s oldest surviving church. It’s fun and no prior scootering experience is necessary. From $67.37.
Book at Viator.com